The WeiShi [literally "Guardian", (WS) family of the multiple launch rocket systems were developed by Sichuan Aerospace Industry Corporation (SCAIC, also known as Base 062) in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The WeiShi series includes the 302mm WS-1 (100km range), the improved 302mm WS-1B (180km range), the 122mm WS-1E (40km), and the latest 400mm WS-2 (200km range). The WS-1 series weapon system did not enter PLA service, and has not received any orders from foreign customers.
The WS-1 MLRS is an advanced long-range MLRS, with the features of long range, high precision, high mobility, quick reaction, easy operation, convenient maintenance, high security and reliability, etc.. The rocket can be fitted with multi-function warheads, used in striking large-scale surface targets. WS-1 long-range non-control MLRS belongs to the conventional artillery tactical weapon. The MLRS troop can be provided in the artillery brigade /division as a battalion; can be also provided in the heavy-division as a battalion/battery, directly subjecting to the group army or heavy-division. In the meanwhile, the rocket launcher can do battle independently. The WS-1 rocket battalion is composed of three rocket batteries. Every rocket battery should be fitted with the following staff and trucks:
| DZ-88B command truck: | 1 | four people per truck |
| MF-4 launch truck: | 6 ~ 9 | three people per truck |
| QY-88 transport and loading truck | 6 ~ 9 | three people per truck |
| Meteorological truck: | 1 | three people per truck |
| Fitted rocket quantity: | 40~60 | rounds per truck (launch truck) |
The WS-1B MLRS is an advanced multi-function long-range MLRS, featured in the long range, low cost-efficiency ratio, high mobility, quick reaction, easy operation, convenient maintenance, high security and reliability. The rocket can be fitted with different multi-function warheads, used in striking large-scale surface targets. WS-1B MLRS belongs to the conventional artillery tactical weapon. The MLRS troop can be provided in the artillery brigade/division as a battalion; can be also provided in the heavy-division as a battalion/battery, directly subjecting to the group army or heavy-division. In the meanwhile, the launch rocket can do battle independently. Every rocket battery should be fitted with the following staff and trucks:
| Command truck: | 1 | four people per truck |
| Launch truck: | 6 ~ 9 | three people per truck |
| Transport and loading truck | 6 ~ 9 | three people per truck |
| Meteorological truck: | 1 | three people per truck |
| Fitted rocket quantity: | 46~60 | rounds per truck (launch truck) |
The WS-1E MLRS is featured in the powerful firing force, strong lethality, high precision, long range, etc., used in striking surface targets. The WS-1E rockets are compatible with the former 122mm rocket launch truck. WS-1E MLRS belongs to the conventional artillery tactical weapon. The MLRS troop can be provided in the artillery brigade/division as a battalion; can be also provided in the heavy-division as a battalion/battery, directly subjecting to the group army or heavy-division. Every rocket battery should be fitted with the following staff and trucks:
| DZ-88B command truck: | 1 | 5 people per truck |
| MF-40 launch truck: | 6 | 3 people per truck |
| Fitted rocket quantity: | 120~160 | per launch truck |
| WS-1 | WS-1B | |
| Range (km) | 40~100 | 60~180 |
| Firing dispersion | 1% | 1%~1.25% |
| Length of rocket (mm) | 4,737 | 6,276 |
| Take-off mass (kg) | 524 | 725 |
| Diameter (mm) | 302 | |
| Launching readiness time (min) | ≤20 | |
| Weight of warhead (kg) | 150 | |
| Number of canisters | 4 | |
| Launch mode | Vehicular box-type oblique launch | |
Sichuan Aerospace Industry Corporation (SCAIC) is an exclusive regional filiale affiliated to China Science & Technology Group Corporation. It is not only a key base for China's launching rocket and missile but also one of the most important designers and manufacturers for Multiple Launch Rocket Weapon System.
SCAIC boasts 40-year history for designing and producing aerospace products: body producing and general assembly of launch rocket; researching, designing, developing, manufacturing and integration of multiple launch rocket weapon system. SCAIC covers the design and manufacture of many body parts including the pyrotechnical devices, electronic control instrument & equipment, hydraulic servo mechanism, turbine-jet motor, end-guided radar and special-purpose vehicles. Besides, SCAIC deals with the developing and manufacture of many civilian products, including automobile components, engineering plastic-pressure units, security products, optical-electricity products, construction materials and environment protection sets.
SCAIC features in large-scale machinery manufacture, integrated machinery working and precision working with advanced manufacture equipment, perfect mating facilities, strong manufacture capacity and rich manufacture technology & experience. In the field of products manufacture, SCAIC carries out cooperation with many world-known companies.
With the principle of "more focused, more professional, more expeditious and creative than the competitors", SCAIC will take trying its best to meet the needs of clients as its long-term goal and provide the clients with advanced products & system, high quality product solution, reliable security and flexible service. SCAIC is located in Chengdu - a famous ancient city with long history and rich culture in the western part of China, which carries cultural charms, abundant technological resources and comfortable living environment.
Turkey's Roketsan has customized and produced the WS-1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems [MLRS] of CPMIEC/SCAIC under the name of Kasirga. Roketsan is marketing Kasirga MLRS under T-300 name in the international market. Displayed for the first time during the military parade at the Atatürk Cultural Centre in Ankara on August 30, 2006, the system is based on the locally produced MAN 6x6 cross-country chassis fitted with a forward control cab. Valued at around US$250 Million, including technology transfer costs, the program covered the deliveries of six Kasirga Batteries [54 launchers] and over 1,500 302mm unguided rockets to the Turkish Land Forces [TLFC]. The first battery [19 vehicles and around 2oo rockets] was delivered by CPMIEC/SCAIC of China in December 1998, while the remaining batteries and rockets were being produced by Roketsan under licence. A Kasirga MLRS Battery comprises nine Rocket Launch Trucks [F-302T], nine Transport and Loading Trucks and one Firing Command Truck. The system can launch 302mm unguided rockets over distances of between 40-100km.
T300, the 300 mm Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher Weapon System is a tactical weapon system which, in artillery units, functions as in depth fire support, day and night and in all weather conditions, by opening indirect fire at sectoral targets. T300, which can be directed from the command vehicle and can be supplied with munitions by a transport and loading vehicle, is equipped to undertake fire missions independently if required. According to the logistics infrastructure and the needs of the user, alternative versions of it can also be designed with communication systems, power supplies, navigation systems etc. in different makes and models, including the vehicle.
| System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of Barrels | 4 | |
| Barrels Length | 5 m | |
| Fire Interval | 6 sec | |
| Elevation | 0-60° | |
| Lateral | 30° | |
| Weight (rocket loaded) | ~23 ton | |
| Length | 9.20 m | |
| Width | 2.50 m | |
| Height | 3.10 m | |
| Vehicle Mounted | 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 Tactical Wheeled | |
| Pointing | Automatic Fire Control System Manual Backup | |
| Pointing | Manual Pointing System (Stand by) | |
| Stabilization | 4 Hydraulic stays | |
| Rocket | ||
| Navigation System | Inertial Navigation System / Global Positioning System | |
| Diameter | 300 mm | |
| Maximum Range | TR-300E; 100+ km (at sea level) TR-300S; 60 km (at sea level) | |
| Minimum Range | TR-300E; 65 km (at sea level) TR-300S; 40 km (at sea level) | |
| Weight | 590 kg | |
| Propellant | Solid Composite | |
| Warhead | HE + Steel Ball | |
| Warhead Weight | 150 kg | |
| Warhead Effective Radius | 70 m | |
| Fuze | Proximity | |
| Shelf Life | 10 years | |